The Social Security program has ballooned in recent years. Compared to the number of individuals who claimed benefits in 2011, over 10 million more claimed benefits in 2021. Unfortunately, there are consequences of this unforeseen growth, specifically the lack of customer service.

Average wait times for callers on hold with the Social Security Administration (SSA) has soared during the last decade, from just three minutes in fiscal 2011 to 13.5 minutes in fiscal 2021. (And that’s an improvement from the 24 minutes it took to reach someone in fiscal 2018!)

These issues are mostly tied to a lack of finances, AARP reports. The operating budget for the Social Security Administration has seen a 13 percent decline and its staffing has seen a 12 percent decline. In contrast, the number of Social Security beneficiaries has increased by 22 percent.

Senior citizens deserve to know the Social Security Administration has their backs, not only for issues and questions, but also to provide financial security throughout their retirement.

We may not have a solution for the customer service issues SSA currently faces, but we do have a way to help with financial security. Our bill, The Senior Citizens Bill of Rights, is groundbreaking legislation; the bill provides seniors with seven rights, each protecting retirees’ right to benefit payments.

Learn more now, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook to stay up-to-date on our progress!